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Joe Biden

Biden, Charleston church share their losses

David Jackson
USA TODAY
Vice President Biden, center, with son and daughter-in-law Hunter and Kathleen Biden, to his right, sing "We Shall Overcome."

Vice President Biden and the South Carolina church that lost nine members in a mass shooting came together Sunday to share their losses.

Less than a month after the death of son Beau Biden, the vice president told the congregation at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston that he and his family attended Sunday services "to draw strength from all of you, draw some strength from the church."

Biden spoke less than two weeks after a gunman killed nine "Mother Emanuel" members during a Wednesday night Bible service.

"I wish I could say something that would ease the pains of the families and of the church," Biden said. "But I know from experience, and I was reminded of it again 29 days ago, that no words can mend a broken heart. No music can fill the gaping void."

Biden also told the congregation:

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"I pray, I pray that the families will find refuge in the shadow of his wings, and I pray that the love that all of you have shown to them, and people around the country to me, will help mend the broken hearts of their families and mine," Biden said.

Reports the Charleston Post and Courier:

"Biden sang hand in hand with the congregation, 'We Shall Overcome.' He also watched as interim pastor, the Rev. Norvel Goff, delivered his sermon and a young man gave himself to Jesus Christ during an altar call. Biden wore an 'Emanuel 9' ribbon on his blazer just underneath an American flag pin."

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